A comparison of infection control practices of different groups of oral specialists and general dental practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the infection control practices of general dentists and dental specialty groups.


METHODS
A survey was mailed to 5997 dentists in 1994; the response rate was 70%. The data were analyzed with multiple logistic regression (reference group: general dentists).


RESULTS
When sociodemographic influences were taken into consideration, significant predictors of routine infection control practices included all of the following characteristics (odds ratios are in parentheses): 1. Gloves: being younger than 40 years of age (4.5) and being female (5.9). 2. Using gloves and changing gloves after each patient: being younger than 40 years of age (4.0), being female (3.0), being an oral surgeon (3.6), and being an orthodontist (0.2). 3. Using gloves, masks, and protective eyewear: being younger than 40 years of age (2.5), being female (2.3), and being an orthodontist, oral physician, or oral pathologist (0.2). 4. Hepatitis B vaccination for the practitioner: being younger than 40 years of age (5.1). 5. Hepatitis B vaccination for all clinical staff members: being younger than 40 years of age (1.2), being an oral surgeon (1.7), and being an orthodontist (0.6). 6. Heat sterilization of handpieces: being younger than 40 years of age (1.5), being an oral surgeon (5.4), and being an orthodontist (0.2). 7. Taking no additional precautions for patients with HIV: being younger than 40 years of age (1.7), being a periodontist (2.6), being a pedodontist (2.3), and being an oral physician/oral pathologist (4.3).


CONCLUSIONS
Improved compliance with recommended infection control procedures is required for all groups and is particularly necessary for orthodontists.
McCarthy
G M
GM
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
MacDonald
J K
JK
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009864:Ontario; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D013039:Specialties, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016635:Universal Precautions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines